Mywhat is eSIM
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a programmable chip built into modern smartphones that stores mobile carrier information digitally. It replaces the traditional removable SIM card and supports multiple carrier profiles on a single device.
eSIM explained
An eSIM is an embedded SIM chip soldered directly onto your phone's circuit board. Instead of inserting a physical card, you scan a QR code to download a carrier profile, and the phone connects to the network digitally.
data roaming explained
Data roaming happens when your phone connects to a foreign carrier network outside your home country. Your home carrier charges a daily or per-MB fee for this connection, which typically costs 5 to 50 times more than local rates.
What is an eSIM and how does it work?
An eSIM is a digital SIM chip built into modern smartphones that downloads carrier profiles over the air. You scan a QR code from an eSIM provider, your phone contacts the carrier server, and the network profile installs in under 60 seconds. Unlike a physical SIM card, an eSIM cannot be lost, stolen, or damaged during travel.
Is eSIM better than a physical SIM card for travel?
Yes, eSIM is better than a physical SIM for most travelers because it activates before departure, costs 30 to 70 percent less than airport SIM counters, and keeps your home number active on the physical SIM slot. The only exception is travelers visiting countries where cheap unlimited local SIMs cost under $5 and no eSIM provider covers that destination.
How do I check if my phone supports eSIM?
Dial *#06# on your phone to check for eSIM support. If an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number appears alongside your IMEI, your phone has an eSIM chip. You can also check in Settings: on iPhone, go to Settings then Cellular then Add eSIM. On Samsung, go to Settings then Connections then SIM Manager.
How to set up eSIM on iPhone: complete guide for every model
By MySIMGuide Editors · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read
Quick answer:
Setting up eSIM on an iPhone takes under 3 minutes. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, scan the QR code from your provider, name the line, set your preferences, and you are online. This works on every iPhone XS or newer. Three methods are available: QR code, carrier app, and iPhone-to-iPhone transfer.
Requirements before
setting up eSIM on iPhone.
Confirm these requirements before starting. Missing any one of them is the most common reason eSIM setup fails on the first attempt.
- iPhone XS or later (see the full eSIM device compatibility list for exact models)
- iOS 14 or later installed (iOS 17+ recommended for the best experience)
- Active WiFi or cellular connection during the activation download
- QR code, activation link, or manual code from your eSIM provider
- Phone must be carrier-unlocked to use third-party travel eSIM providers
Carrier-locked iPhones
Carrier-locked iPhones can activate eSIM from their own carrier but reject third-party travel eSIM profiles. Check your lock status at Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. If it shows “No SIM restrictions,” you are unlocked and ready for any provider.
Set up eSIM with a QR
code in 4 steps.
The QR code method works for travel eSIM providers, carrier eSIM activation, and any provider that sends a QR code by email or displays one in their app. You need an internet connection during the download step.
Three ways to set up eSIM
without a QR code.
Not every provider sends a QR code. Carriers often activate eSIM through their own app, and iOS 17+ supports transferring eSIM between iPhones without a code at all.
AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and most major carriers let you activate eSIM directly in their app. Log in, select Add a Line or Transfer to eSIM, and follow the in-app prompts. No QR code required. This method is for converting an existing phone plan to eSIM, not for adding a travel data plan.
Moving from an old iPhone to a new one? Place both phones near each other with Bluetooth on. On the new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer from Nearby iPhone. Approve on the old iPhone. The eSIM transfers in 2 to 5 minutes and deactivates on the old device automatically.
If the QR code fails to scan, tap Enter Details Manually in the Cellular settings. Type the SM-DP+ server address and the activation code from your provider's email. This works whenever QR scanning is blocked by screen glare, a low-resolution image, or a code that has already been partially scanned.
eSIM setup notes by
iPhone generation.
The core setup steps are identical across all supported iPhones. A few differences exist in dual eSIM capability and where US models have removed the physical SIM tray entirely.
These US models have no physical SIM tray. All connectivity uses eSIM profiles. You can have 2 eSIM lines active simultaneously from different providers. International models of the same iPhone retain a nano-SIM slot alongside eSIM support.
iPhone 13 was the first generation to support 2 active eSIM profiles simultaneously. US models have a physical SIM tray plus dual eSIM capability. You can run a nano-SIM from your home carrier and two stored eSIM profiles, with 2 lines active at once.
These models support 1 eSIM active at a time alongside a physical nano-SIM. Settings path: Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan on iOS 16, or Add eSIM on iOS 17+. Store up to 5 eSIM profiles but only 1 can be active simultaneously.
The 3rd-gen SE supports eSIM plus nano-SIM, identical to the iPhone 12 generation. It is the most affordable Apple device with eSIM support. Setup follows the same QR code method. Carrier lock applies if purchased through a carrier.
Setting up a travel eSIM
on iPhone before your trip.
Travel eSIM plans start at $4 to $5 for 7 days in most countries, compared to $10 to $15 per day for carrier roaming. Setting up at home before departure avoids airport WiFi dependency during activation.
- Purchase a travel eSIM plan before departure. Most providers, including HelloRoam, send the QR code instantly by email after payment. Buy at least 24 hours before your flight.
- Scan the QR code at home on WiFi. Do not wait until you reach the airport. Home WiFi provides a stable connection for the eSIM profile download. Airport WiFi is often firewalled and may block the provisioning server.
- Label the line as “Travel” or the destination name. This makes it easy to identify which line to select when switching data settings.
- Set the travel eSIM as your data-only line.Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select the travel eSIM. Keep your home SIM as the voice line.
- Disable data roaming on your home SIM.Go to Settings > Cellular > tap your home SIM line > turn off Data Roaming. This prevents surprise charges if the phone accidentally routes data through the home carrier.
- On arrival, confirm the travel eSIM connected to the local network.You will see the local carrier name in the status bar or at Settings > Cellular. Open any browser to verify data is working.
- Returning home: switch data back to your home SIM.Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select your home line. The travel eSIM profile stays stored until your next trip or until you delete it.
eSIM not working on
iPhone? Fix it here.
Most iPhone eSIM problems have a specific cause and a specific fix. Work through these in order before contacting your provider.
Your carrier may have disabled eSIM at the firmware level. This is common with carrier-purchased iPhones. Contact your carrier and request an eSIM unlock. Also confirm you are running iOS 14 or later, which is the minimum version for the Add eSIM path.
Confirm you have an active internet connection. WiFi or cellular data is required to download the eSIM profile during scanning. Try zooming into the QR code image and holding the camera steadily 6 to 10 inches away. If it still fails, use manual entry: tap Enter Details Manually and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider.
Go to Settings > Cellular > select the travel eSIM line > toggle on Data Roaming. Then go to Cellular Data and confirm the travel eSIM is selected as your active data line. Toggle Airplane Mode on then off to force the phone to reconnect. Wait up to 2 minutes for network registration.
This usually means the QR code was already used on another device or a previous activation attempt consumed it. Most travel eSIM QR codes are single-use. Contact your provider and request a new QR code. If using a carrier eSIM, restart the iPhone and try the activation again from scratch.
iPhones store up to 8 eSIM profiles. If you have reached the limit, delete an old profile: Settings > Cellular > tap the old plan > Remove Cellular Plan. Then attempt to add the new eSIM. Deleting a profile does not affect your other data.
iPhone eSIM setup:
7 questions answered.
Which iPhones support eSIM?
Every iPhone from XS (2018) onward supports eSIM. This includes the XS, XR, 11 series, SE 2nd and 3rd generation, 12 series, 13 series, 14 series, 15 series, and 16 series. US iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray. For a complete model list, see the full eSIM device compatibility list.
Can I set up eSIM on iPhone without a QR code?
Yes. Three alternatives exist. First, some carriers support direct activation through their own app. Second, iOS 17+ supports eSIM Quick Transfer from another iPhone nearby via Bluetooth. Third, some providers offer manual entry where you type the SM-DP+ address and activation code directly instead of scanning. Check your provider's activation instructions for which method is supported.
How many eSIM profiles can I have on my iPhone?
iPhone XS through 12: up to 5 profiles stored, 1 active eSIM at a time alongside a physical SIM. iPhone 13 and later: up to 8 profiles stored, 2 active simultaneously. iPhone 14+ US models: eSIM-only with 2 active lines and up to 8 stored profiles. Stored profiles stay installed but inactive until you switch to them.
What if the eSIM QR code does not scan on my iPhone?
Three fixes to try. First, make sure you have an active internet connection because the eSIM profile downloads from the internet during setup. Second, try zooming into the QR code image or reduce screen brightness/glare on the code source. Third, tap Enter Details Manually in Settings and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider's email directly.
Can I remove and reinstall an eSIM on iPhone?
You can remove an eSIM profile at any time in Settings, Cellular, select the plan, tap Remove Cellular Plan. Whether you can reinstall depends on the provider. Some carriers and travel eSIM providers allow one-time activation only: once removed, you need a new QR code. Others let you re-download the same profile. Check with your provider before removing.
Does setting up eSIM on iPhone erase my data?
No. eSIM activation only downloads a small carrier profile to manage cellular connectivity. It does not affect your photos, apps, messages, or any other data on the phone. A factory reset is a separate action that would remove eSIM profiles along with all data.
What is the difference between eSIM, e-SIM, and e SIM on iPhone?
They are identical. Apple uses the spelling eSIM in all official iOS and Settings documentation. e-SIM and e SIM appear in search queries and some regional carrier materials but describe the same embedded SIM technology built into every iPhone XS and later. The hardware, activation process, and functionality are the same regardless of which spelling you see.
iPhone set up. Ready for your trip?
Browse eSIM plans by country, learn how to run two lines at once, or check eSIM compatibility for your device.